Karunanidhi presents Kalaimamani awards to 68 artistes

Chennai, Sep 1 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today presented the state government's prestigious Kalaimamani awards to 68 artistes, who were selected for the award for the year 2006.

At a glittering function, presided over by Governor S S Barnala, the Chief Minister presented the awards, which carried a gold medal and a purse.

Mr Karunanidhi also distributed financial assistance to indigent artistes, besides presenting the rolling trophy for the best art and stage troupes.

He unveild portraits of 18 giants, who died recently at the function, organised by the Tamil Nadu ''Iyal Isai Natak Manram''.

The Kalaimamani awards are presented every year to artistes, drawn from various fields, in recognition of their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

UNI